substantial danger and self neglect

Thanks to this site again. After lower rates of care and mobility for five years I now have an increase to middle rate care through supersession along with lower rate mobility. I am very relieved.

I have mental health issues. At first I was told my lower rate care would not be increased as I was not needing frequent care to avoid "substantial danger". I was told that I merely "preferred help" and that mechanical devices could provide a suitable alternative to personal help.

I asked for a review and requested my GP be contacted. I gave the further evidence the decision maker appeared to need, but was told after three weeks that my "signed for" letter had not been received. Due to the time limits I decided to appeal and sent this by "tracked mail" so they could not claim they had not received this.

Before I was advised of a new decision by DWP backdated money appeared in my bank account. I received confirmation of the new decision by post over the next couple of days. I have never had my appeal request acknowledged!

i think that DWP now need mental health claimants to show frequent help is to avoid "substantial danger" and not just to make life easier or more bearable. My GP also confirmed I was at risk of "self neglect" which was taken into consideration. It therefore helped me that I kept my GP very aware of my claim.

Thanks again to Benefits and Work. I think your advice is invaluable and it certainly made my supersession achievable.

I am glad that the decision was revised for you. Thank you for letting us know - and for your kind words about B+W